Page 15

15

Niki

I decided it wasn’t going to work out with Lyon and me. Lately, I seemed to be injured every time I turned around, and he was usually away on a job. The only way we could make it work was for me to quit my job. I could do that—if Lyon truly wanted to be with me, I’d leave everything behind for him.

That thought surprised me, filling me with a strange pleasure at the idea of freedom. I no longer wanted to be an FBI agent; I didn’t want the horses, the big home, or the constant danger. I longed to downsize, to simplify my life. Was this just a fleeting impulse, or would this desire stick? I knew I had to mull it over a bit longer.

I was dozing when I felt someone watching me. When I opened my eyes, Max was sitting in the only chair in the room.

“Max, why are you here? One day they’ll boot you out of the Navy Seals for abandoning your post whenever you feel like it,” I teased.

“Damn it, Niki, I’m so fucking angry,” he snapped. “Look at you—you’d be dead if Lyon hadn’t driven by at that exact moment. This has to stop.” I noticed him quickly wiping his eyes. “I’m no longer a Navy Seal, you know. The government left me to rot in Afghanistan. I’m thinking about starting a business like The Golden Team. Some of my friends from the service are already interested.”

“That’s good—I was hoping you’d say that,” I replied, a hint of excitement in my voice. “I’m planning to quit my job too. I might even sell my house, get rid of the horses, and live a quiet life in a small, comfy home that doesn’t take two days to clean.”

“When did you decide all this?” Max asked.

“This morning, when I realized I was tired of being shot, beaten, and injured every damn day,” I admitted.

Max nodded. “I’m glad you’re quitting the FBI—no more undercover work. Call Joseph today and tell him you’re done before you change your mind. Whatever you do, don’t let him talk you out of it.”

“Max, stop worrying about me. I promise I won’t let him talk me out of quitting my job,” I said with a rueful smile. “I must look pretty bad—it's been three days.”

“You haven’t seen yourself?” he asked.

“No, but now that my eyes are open again, I can see everyone’s reaction when they look at me.”

“Are you saying your eyes were swollen shut?”

“Yes, and my jawbone is cracked. It hurts to talk for any length of time. I was hit in the face every time he saw me. But he’s dead, and I’m done with that life. How are you holding up?”

“I’m good. It feels so nice to be home again,” Max replied.

“Did you talk to Olivia?” I asked.

Max sighed. “Yes. I don’t blame Olly for getting married. She thought I was dead, but she waited three years—our love was so strong, it’s still strong. Now, she has a baby and a husband. I left Oregon because being so close to her was too tempting, and it was hard for both of us.”

“I’m sorry she went through that,” I murmured. “I know how much you two loved each other. Olly nearly died from a broken heart; she was in the hospital for weeks. I told her I didn’t believe you were dead—she was so excited, I felt terrible about that. But after a while, she stopped believing you were alive.”

Max’s voice softened. “I hate that she suffered. My love for her will never die. Her husband even begged me not to take her away from him and their child. That’s why I left Oregon. I’m moving to Montana. I bought a nine-bedroom, ten-bathroom bed and breakfast for myself and anyone who wants to join. It’s on a mountain called Fraiser’s Mountain. It’ll take time to get it running, but the Band of Navy Seals promised to help me get started when I’m ready.”

“That sounds wonderful,” I said, genuinely excited for him. “Is the bed and breakfast furnished?”

“Completely. I’ve already moved all my things there. The master bedroom even has a small living area attached, and I’ve claimed that space for myself.”

My head ached terribly at this point, so I closed my eyes, willing the pain away as sleep overtook me. When I woke again, Lyon was in the chair, absorbed in a book—a reminder of one of his quirks, his love of reading. Brutus was sleeping on the floor in front of the window. I noticed once in his bag a collection of books spanning different genres. I tried to smile, but my lips wouldn’t move; they were still swollen.

“Hi,” he said, standing up and moving his chair closer.

“Hi,” I managed.

“Max said he’d be back later. He told me about his plans—they sound exciting,” Lyon continued, a grin tugging at his lips. “I mentioned a bit about the Golden Team, and he said he’d have to come up with a good name for his new business. River wanted to call us the Best Of The Best,” he grinned.

I actually managed to chuckle, remembering River’s repeated claim on our first meeting that they were “the best of the best.” You are the best of the best, I teased, “What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be away on a mission?”

Lyon grinned. “I leave tomorrow, but it’s only for a few days. Then I’ll take some time off work. Please, come home with me when you’re released. Your mom might argue that you’re going home with them, but just tell her you’re coming home with me. What do you say?”

I rolled my eyes. “Why do you think I need someone to take care of me? I should be fine on my own.”

Leaning down, Lyon pressed his lips to my fingers. “Sweetheart, have you looked at your fingers? Both your arms are in casts.” I glanced down and saw my swollen, injured fingers—reminders of how he had pulled them out of their sockets. The pain had been unbearable, and I had passed out. He’d waited until I came to before continuing.

“That was excruciating,” I whispered. Lyon kissed my fingers again.

“Will you kiss my pain away if I go home with you?” I whispered.

“Every chance I get,” he replied.

“Then yes, I’ll go home with you. But I’m going to need a nurse to come for an hour each day to help me with... other things.”

Lyon arched an eyebrow. “What other things?”

“My shower, for one,” I answered.

A mischievous smile spread across his face. “I can give you a shower. I’m looking forward to showering you.”

“Are you telling me this to get me hot? Because if you are, it’s working. I might be broken right now, but every sense is on fire, and I can’t wait for you to help me with my shower. I want your hands to soap every inch of me.”

“If you keep talking like that, I’ll shock everyone on this floor and put you in the shower right now,” he warned playfully. “I’ll have you crying out for more, leaving them all in awe.”

I couldn’t help but laugh, even as the pain in my face reminded me of my injuries. Despite everything, I yearned for his touch—wanted to feel his hands on me, sending shivers of pleasure through my battered body. The heat rising within me was undeniable, I wanted to feel his hands on me, giving me an orgasm. I felt my panties getting wet. Wait, I don’t have any panties on.

“No matter what shape your body is in, those feelings never fade,” I teased. “Will you give me an orgasm every time you give me a shower?”

“I’ll give you one right now if you keep talking like that,” he murmured, leaning down to lick my lips. A moan escaped me as his hand slipped under the sheet, igniting a fire I could hardly control.

Just then, the nurse interjected, “Am I interrupting you two?”

Lyon chuckled. “Yes, but we’ll set our feelings aside for now. We have plenty of time when we get home.”

I wanted to see if Niki wanted to try getting up and showering. I’ll wrap your arms so they don’t get wet. There is a chair for you to sit on, so you won’t have to stand for a long period.”

“I would love to shower if you wrap my arms. Lyon can help me shower.” The nurse chuckled as she walked out to get the wrap. I looked at Lyon. “I get to feel you touching me quicker than I thought. Do you think they heard us talking?”

He grinned. “I’m not sure, but I’m thankful if they did.”